Automatic locking of high-level luminaires

ABSTRACT

Means for the positive support and automatic engagement and disengagement of an annular frame, mounting luminaires and suspended from three hoisting ropes, around the top of a high mast, having cantilever-like parts engaging support recesses and which parts are directed into the recesses and therefrom by rotational deflection of the frame by camming actions against a gravitational bias.

Elitart @ttoa Patant Boemer Jan. 28, 1975 [54] AUTOMATIC LOCKlNG 01FHIGH-LEVEL 3670.159 6/1972 Millerhcrnd 248/320 3,721.8) 3/[973 Zcllcr240/90 [76] lnventor: Curt Carl Boemer, PO. Box l7028,

Pretoria g Af i Primary I:'.raminer-Richard A. Schacher As'sixlun!E.\'uniim'rVictor N. Sakran [22] Ffled: W73 Attorney. Agent, orFirm'-Karl W, Flocks [2]] Appl. No.1 411,215

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data ABSTRAUT Nov. 6, 1972 SouthAfrica 72/7861 Means for the positive Support and automatic engagementand disengagement of an annular frame. mount- [52] U.S. Cl 254/148,240/64, 248/320 ing luminaires and suspended from three hoisting [51]Int. Cl. F2lv 21/38 ropes, around the top of a high mast, havingcantilev- [58] Field of Search 240/64, 67; 254/148; er-like partsengaging support recesses and which 248/320, 32], 328 parts are directedinto the recesses and therefrom by rotational deflection of the frame bycamming actions [56] References Cited against a gravitational bias.

UNITED STATES PATENTS r Hebendahl 248 320 2 Claims, 6 Drawing FiguresAUTOMATIC LOCKING OF HIGH-LEVEL LUMINAIRES BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTIONField of the Invention The invention relates to positively supportingand automatic engagement on and disengagement from supports of asubstantially annular member at the top of a high mast.

Description of the Prior Art The Applicant is aware of prior U.S. Pat.Nos. 455,547, 504,082, 1,480,121, 1,640,624 and 3,721,816 in which aredisclosed luminaires or lamps which are raised and lowered by hoistingropes and positively supported at elevated positions. In every one ofthe prior disclosures the luminaires or lamps are raised and lowered bya single hoisting cable and are not arranged around the mast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides positive and safesupport and location of an elevatable and lowerable structural member orlike means around and at the top portion of a high mast or pole and towhich position it is raised and from which it is lowered by hoist gearhaving hoisting ropes extending upwardly within the mast and passingover spaced pulleys arranged tandem fashion in at least three radialpositions at the top of the mast or pole while engagement anddisengagement of the member on support means is substantiallyautomatically effected without the aid of remote control devices. Theinvention is particularly intended for use on high level luminaireshaving lamps fitted to a substantially annular frame while the power issupplied by flexible insulated conductors also passing through the mastor pole and over spaced pulleys at the top of the mast or pole.

According to the invention a method of positively supporting a memberhaving a centre opening and suspended from hoisting ropes at an elevatedposition around a mast is provided which includes elevation of themember by the hoisting ropes to the said elevated position, applicationof rotational movement to the member about its axis and deflection ofthe hoisting ropes from gravitationally biassed vertical positions inthe direction of rotational movement of the member by a camming actionof parts on the member with fixed co-acting parts on the mast, returnswinging of the ropes and return rotational movement of the member bygravitational bias at the end of the camming action, slight lowering ofthe member, and direction of the parts on the member during the slightlowering onto coacting rigid support devices on the mast.

The method also extends to the lowering of the positively supportedmember and includes lifting of the member from the supported positionand disengagement of the parts of the member off the support devices onthe mast by the hoisting ropes, application of rotational movement ofthe member and deflection of the hoisting ropes in the same direction ofrotational move ment of the member during said lifting and by a furthercamming action against gravitational bias, reversal of the rotationalmovement of the member and restoration of the ropes to substantiallyvertical locations by the gravitational bias at the termination of thefurther camming action, and finally lowering of the member with thesupport means engageable parts of the member moving downwardly alongfaces across and clear of the supporting devices on the mast.

Alternatively the method of lowering of the member includes slightlylifting of the member from the supported position and of the parts ofthe member off the support devices of the mast by the hoisting ropes,further rotational movement of the member by continuation of the returnmovement of the member and the ropes to vertical positions of the ropesby the gravitational bias and to a position with the parts of the memberclear of the co-acting support devices on the mast, and finally loweringof the members by the ropes.

Also according to the invention means for positively supporting amember, having a centre opening and suspended from hoisting ropes at anelevated position around a mast, is provided and which includes asimilar number of co-acting first and second parts rigid with the mastand the member at corresponding arcuate spaced positions, the firstparts each having at least one pair of spaced radially disposed andsloping faces at different heights and a recess between the slopingfaces whereas the second co-acting parts comprise protruding elements,the sloping faces being adapted to apply and control rotational movementof the member and deflection of the hoisting ropes against gravitationalbias on engagement of the sloping faces and the elements during a finalstage of elevation of the member by a camming action and reversemovement of the member and the ropes on disengagement of the elementsand the faces for direction of the elements and recesses into supportingengagement on slight lowering and by gravitational bias, and directionof the elements clear of the recesses on subsequent lifting of themember before lowering of the member.

The first parts are preferably fixed to the mast near the top end onmountings whereas the co-acting second parts extend radially inwardlyacross the centre opening of the member. Advantageously three of thefirst parts are provided at regular arcuately spaced intervals on themast while a similar number of the second parts, also similarly spaced,are provided on the member.

Each first part, according to one form of the invention, comprises amountable base plate having on one face a protruding sloping rigid firstfin, a second fin extending divergingly from and intermediately of theends of the upper face of the sloping first fin, a support recess for asecond co-acting part between the second fin and the upper portion ofthe first fin, and a third sloping fin substantially parallel across thesecond fin and having a lower end in spaced relationship above therecess and an upper end above the upper end of the second fin. The saidfins may be secured by the base plate to the outwardly directed face ofan inverted conical, pyrimidal or like shaped encasement co-axiallysecured to the top end of the mast.

According to a preferred form of the invention each second partcomprises a substantially vertical mounting plate having a pair ofprotruding substantially parallel but slopingly disposed upper and lowerrigid fins and a fin of smaller inclination connecting the upper end ofthe lower and the lower end of the upper fins, and a support recess forthe co-acting second part at the connection of the upper fin and theconnecting lesser sloping fin. Such rigid fin device is of slopinglydisposed Z- shape in elevation. The Z-shaped connected fins are disposedin spaced relationship between a pair of transversely spaced verticaland outwardly projecting guide ribs on the mounting plate. The mountingplate and the guide ribs have an inwardly and downwardly sloping guideportion for the co-acting part when the latter approaches said supportmeans.

Each co-acting second part preferably comprises an inwardly directedcantilever-like pin secured to the member and extending partly acrossthe centre opening of the member.

The said member, which is preferably of annular shape and which maycomprise a frame structure, may provide mountings for luminaires, lampsor the like and which mountings preferably also present connectingregions for the hoisting ropes.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example,with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a half sectional elevation of the top part of a tubular mastwith associated guiding and support means for an annular member alsoshown in sectional elevation;

FIG. 2 is a plan of FIG. 1;

FIG/3 is a fragmentary side elevation of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in thedirection of arrows III, drawn to a larger scale, and showing only partsattached and mounted to the mast;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a modified support device for mounting ona mast;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation in direction V of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a side elevation in direction VI of FIG. 4.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a tubular mast from the top end portion ofwhich frame arms extend in rigid outwardly protruding fashion at equalarcuate spaced intervals. The mounting of each frame arm 12 isstrengthened by a radial fin-like plate or gusset 14. Each gusset 14presents a vertical and outwardly directed edge face 14.1 and a lowerdownwardly and inwardly sloping edge face portion 14.2. Over the top ofthe frame a cap 16 is preferably secured and providing a protectivespace over the frame arms 12. On each frame arm 12 a pair of tandemarranged groove pulleys 20 and 20.1 are mounted over which hoistingropes 22 are passed which in turn extend downwardly within the mast 10to hoisting gear, not shown, and also downwardly from the outermostpulley 20 for connection to an elevatable annular frame 24. The annularframe 24 comprises two vertically spaced rings 26 connected by verticalbrace bars or plates 28 and mounting radially outwardly projectingbrackets 30 for mounting of lamps or the like, which are not shown. Theconnected rings comprise two half parts having radial connecting flanges26.1 which, on placement of the frame half parts around the mast, areconnected by bolts 26.2. At similar positions at three equally spacedarcuate intervals each brace bar or plate 28 provides a rigid inwardlydirected substantially horizontally disposed cantilever-like bar,fingers or pin 32.

The downwardly extending outer ends of the hoisting ropes 22 areadjustably connected by eye bolts 34 to three of the brackets 30 locatedbelow the outer ends of the frame arms 12. On one pair of the pulleys20, 20.1 an additional circumferentially grooved portion 20.2 isprovided for engagement by a flexible insulated electric conductor orcable 36 which extends upwardly through the mast l0 and is connected toelectric current distribution means mounted on the annular frame 24.Said means is not shown.

On the edge faces 14.1 of the gussets 14 vertical channel profile partsare rigidly secured with the flanges 38.1 directed outwardly. The parts38 are provided with downwardly and inwardly sloping portions 38.2secured to the sloping edge faces 14.2 of the gussets 14. At anintermediate position within each channel part 38 a protruding device40, in the form of a slopingly disposed Z-shaped plate, is secured andin spaced relationship to the inner faces of the flanges 38.1. Theparallel lower and upper limbs 40.], 40.2 of each device 40 areslopingly disposed while the connecting limb or web 40.3 is at a lesserinclination. The said devices 40 extend in an outward direction tosubstantially the same extent as the flanges 38.1 and are adapted to beengaged by the pins 32 of the annular frame 24 when the latter iselevated by the hoisting ropes 22 and more particularly when the frame24 approaches the required elevated position for supported mounting atthe top of the mast 10.

When the annular frame 24 approaches the elevated position the pins 32are guided into the channel parts 38 by the sloping portions 38.2. Withthe portions of the ropes 22, between the pulleys 20 and the brackets 30vertically suspended, the pins 32 engage the underfaces of the lowersloping limbs 40.1 of the Z-shaped devices 40. On slow hoisting of theframe 24 the pins 32 slide upwardly along the underfaces of limbs 40.1and are laterally displaced thereby and which displacement istransferred to the annular frame 24 which performs a partial rotationalmotion and in addition causes the vertically suspended portions of theropes 22 to be deflected; this action is against a gravitational bias.When the pins 32 pass over the top edges 40.4 of the limbs 40.1 thegravitational bias causes the ropes to assume their vertical positionswhile the frame is rotated in a reverse direction. The pins thus engagethe underfaces of the upper sloping limbs 40.2 of the devices 40 and oneasing the tension on the hoisting ropes 22 the frame 24 is lowered andthe pins 32 nest in the angular notches 40.5 between the limbs 40.2 andthe webs 40.3 of the devices 40 in a positively supported fashion. Theframe 24 and the lamps or other devices mounted thereon, thus alsobecome positively supported.

For lowering of the frame 24 it is again raised by the ropes 22 causingthe pins 32 to slide upwardly along the underfaces of the upper limbs40.2 until they pass over the top ends 40.6 of said limbs. The pins arethen free to swing to a position above the sloping upper faces of thelimbs 40.2 and which action is due to the gravitational bias on theframe 24 and the ropes 22. With the pins 32 substantially stationaryabove central regions of the upper flanges 40.2 the frame 24 is loweredand is caused to be slightly rotated in the direction opposite to thatwhen raised while the deflection of the ropes is also in the oppositedirection when the pins 32 slide downwardly along the lower portions ofthe limbs 40.2 and subsequently limbs 40.1. Such downward movement ofthe pins is clear of the entrances to the notches 40.5. After passingthe devices 40 the frame may be subjected to rapid lowering.

According to a modified form an inverted conical casing (which is notshown) is concentrically fixed around the upper portion of the mast l0and is provided on the outer face at three equally spaced positions withbrackets 42 and with each one of which a pin 32 of the frame isco-actingly engageable. Each bracket 42 comprises a base plate 44fixable to the inverted cone. Adjacent the upper end of the base plate44 a horizontal rigid fin 46 is permanently secured across the outerface thereof and of which one end portion 46.1 extends outwardly whereason the opposite end a fin 46.2 is provided and arranged at an acutedownward angle. Across the lower part of each base plate 44 a steeplysloping fin 46.3 is rigidly secured and having its upper end 46.31 inspaced relationship below an intermediate portion of the horizontal fin46. From an intermediate portion of the upper sloping face of fin 46.3another fin 46.4 extends slopingly and divergingly upwardly with its topportion in outward spaced relationship to the lower portion of the fin46.2. The fins 46.3 and 46.4 form between them a notch 48 which forms arecess for nesting and positive support of the coacting pin 32.

In operation of this form of construction the pins 32 approach thebrackets 30 in the direction of arrow 50 and engage the underfaces ofthe fins 46.3. On further raising of the frame 24 by the ropes 22 thepins 32 slide upwardly along said underfaces and cause portions of theropes between the pulleys 20 and the frame 24 to be moved to a slopingposition while a part rotational movement is applied to the frame 24.When the pins pass over the upper edges 46.31 of the fins 46.3, whilethe frame is still being elevated, the pins move trans versely in thedirection of arrow 50.1 to engage the fin 46.2. The hoisting action isstopped when the pins move the said edges 46.31. By slowly lowering ofthe frame the pins 32 become lodged in the notches 48 whereby the framebecomes positively supported in all the notches of all the brackets byall the pins 32.

For release of the frame 24 the hoisting action is agains applied whileeach pin is moved in the direction of arrow 50.2 out of the notches andover the upper edge of fin 46.4. The movement in the transversedirection after passing the edge 46.31 is by a gravitational biasagainst which deflection in thedirection of arrow 50.3 was effected.Once free of the fins 46.4 the frame 24 may be lowered although at theinitial stage of lowering a slight reverse rotational motion may againbe applied when the pins 32 engage the protruding lower portions of thefins 46.3.

If desired springs or other resilient buffers may be incorporated suchas at the connections of the ropes tov the frames for shock absorbingpurposes.

On the frame 24 spring biassed pivoted arms may be provided and havingrollers on inwardly directed ends for engaging the exterior faces ofthemast 10. With this arrangement rocking of the frame 24 by wind actionduring raising or lowering is restrained.

The cap 16 is of substantially Y-shape for encasing the frame arms 12,the pulleys 20, 20.1 rotatably supported on the arms 12, and the top ofthe post. If desired the cap may be of the shape shown by broken lines16.1 in FIG. 1. The gussets 14 may be replaced by bars or strutsextending radially from the mast 10.

What I claim is:

1. Means for positively supporting a member, having a centre opening andsuspended from hoisting ropes at an elevated position around a mast,which includes a similar number of co-acting first and second partsrigid with the mast and the member;

each first part comprising a substantially vertically disposed mountingplate having a pair of transversely spaced and outwardly projectingguide ribs, a sloping guide-in portion at the lower end of the mountingplate, and a bracket of connected rigid fins arranged according to asloping Z which is secured by one face to the mounting plate in spacedrelationship between the spaced ribs and presenting a pair of connectedspaced and sloping radially disposed faces at different heights and arecess between said pair of faces; whereas each co-acting second partcomprising a robust cantilever pin;

the arrangement being such that during the final stage of hoisting ofthe member the pins are received with clearance between the guide ribsand are drawn onto sloping underfaces of the lower fins of the bracketswhereby rotational movement is applied to the member and deflection ofthe hoisting ropes against gravitational bias by a camming action whichis followed by a reverse movement of the member and the ropes by thegravitational bias on disengagement of the pins from the sloping facesand, on lowering of the member, the pins are received in the recessesfor support of the member while, for lowering of the member, the memberis lifted by the hoisting ropes and by camming with the underfaces ofthe upper fins of the brackets rotational movement is applied to themember and deflection of the ropes against gravitational bias and onmovement of the pins across the upper ends of the said fins a reverserotational movement is applied to the member by gravitational biaswhereafter the member is lowerable.

2. Means for positively supporting a substantially annular membersuspended from hoisting ropes at an elevated position around a masthaving a similar number of co-acting first and second parts rigid withthe mast and the member at corresponding arcuate spaced positions and ofwhich the first parts have spaced sloping fins presenting radiallydisposed faces and recesses and the second co-acting parts comprisecantilever pins adapted to cammingly engage a first group of slopingfaces of the fins for controlled rotational movement of the member anddeflection of the hoisting ropes against gravitational bias during thefinal stage of lifting of the member, and reverse movement of the memberand the ropes by the gravitational bias on disengagement of the pinsfrom the said faces for direction of the pins into supporting engagementin the recesses during slight lowering of the member, whereas, forcomplete lowering of the member, a slight lifting action is applied forreverse movement of the member by the gravitational bias to clear thepins from the recesses before lowering of the member; including aninverted cone co-axially on the top end of the mast and whereon theradially disposed sloping fins are mounted, the member in turn beingadapted to be guidingly received by its centre opening on the invertedcone.

1. Means for positively supporting a member, having a centre opening andsuspended from hoisting ropes at an elevated position around a mast,which includes a similar number of co-acting first and second partsrigid with the mast and the member; each first part comprising asubstantially vertically disposed mounting plate having a pair oftransversely spaced and outwardly projecting guide ribs, a slopingguide-in portion at the lower end of the mounting plate, and a bracketof connected rigid fins arranged according to a sloping Z which issecured by one face to the mounting plate in spaced relationship betweenthe spaced ribs and presenting a pair of connected spaced and slopingradially disposed faces at different heights and a recess between saidpair of faces; whereas each co-acting second part comprising a robustcantilever pin; the arrangement being such that during the final stageof hoisting of the member the pins are received with clearance betweenthe guide ribs and are drawn onto sloping underfaces of the lower finsof the brackets whereby rotational movement is applied to the member anddeflection of the hoisting ropes against gravitational bias by a cammingaction which is followed by a reverse movement of the member and theropes by the gravitational bias on disengagement of the pins from thesloping faces and, on lowering of the member, the pins are received inthe recesses for support of the member while, for lowering of themember, the member is lifted by the hoisting ropes and by camming withthe underfaces of the upper fins of the brackets rotational movement isapplied to the member and deflection of the ropes against gravitationalbias and on movement of the pins across the upper ends of the said finsa reverse rotational movement is applied to the member by gravitationalbias whereafter the member is lowerable.
 2. Means for positivelysupporting a substantially annular member suspended from hoisting ropesat an elevated position around a mast having a similar number ofco-acting first and second parts rigid with the mast and the member atcorresponding arcuate spaced positions and of which the first parts havespaced sloping fins presenting radially disposed faces and recesses andthe second co-acting parts comprise cantilever pins adapted to camminglyengage a first group of sloping faces of the fins for controlledrotational movement of the member and deflection of the hoisting ropesagainst gravitational bias during the final stage of lifting of themember, and reverse movement of the membeR and the ropes by thegravitational bias on disengagement of the pins from the said faces fordirection of the pins into supporting engagement in the recesses duringslight lowering of the member, whereas, for complete lowering of themember, a slight lifting action is applied for reverse movement of themember by the gravitational bias to clear the pins from the recessesbefore lowering of the member; including an inverted cone co-axially onthe top end of the mast and whereon the radially disposed sloping finsare mounted, the member in turn being adapted to be guidingly receivedby its centre opening on the inverted cone.